Cops Hunt Not-Too Bright Robbers

By Dan Gesslein

BRONX, NEW YORK, AUGUST 7- Keeping a low-profile does not appear to be on a trio of robbers’ minds. Cops released surveillance video of three suspects wearing bright yellow and red shirts when they allegedly went to stickup a Wakefield woman.

On July 24, cops say a trio of thieves walked into 645 East 231 Street, sported a handgun and tied up a woman inside the building. The thieves took jewelry and an undisclosed amount of cash. Before fleeing, the suspects images were captured on the surveillance video in the building’s lobby. 

The trio wore day-glo yellow an red t-shirts. Cops say the suspects are black men in their 20s and at least two members of the group had a Caribbean accent.

Another pair of robbers tried to keep a lower profile but were not exactly masters of disguise. The men, both large and in their 40s, looked a little too overweight and old to be bike messengers  like the way they were dressed. 

The pair struck an apartment building near Pelham Bay Station in broad daylight. At around 11:30 a.m. on June 11, the men armed with backpacks walked into 3104 Wilkerson Avenue near the local Keyfood Supermarket. The pair made their way inside an apartment and woke the 24-year-old resident. The resident struggled with the suspects who then fled with only about $150. The robbers tried to make a quick getaway but their images were captured on the lobby’s surveillance camera.

Anyone with information should call CRIMESTOPPERS at (800) 577-TIPS. 

The public can also submit their tips by logging onto Crime Stoppers' website at www.nypdcrimestoppers.com or by texting their tips to CRIMES (274637), then enter TIP577.

All calls are strictly confidential.

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Taking a Stand Against Crime

Bronx News (Bxnews.net): Taking a Stand Against Crime: National Night Out By Bill Ludwig The 30th annual National Night Out (NNO) against crime will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 6th. The 47th ...

Baychester News: Taking a Stand Against Crime

Baychester News: Taking a Stand Against Crime: National Night Out By Bill Ludwig The 30th annual National Night Out (NNO) against crime will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 6th. The 47th ...

Wakefield News: Taking a Stand Against Crime

Wakefield News: Taking a Stand Against Crime: National Night Out By Bill Ludwig The 30th annual National Night Out (NNO) against crime will be held on Tuesday, Aug. 6th. The 47th ...

Taking a Stand Against Crime

National Night Out

By Bill Ludwig

The 30th annual National Night Out (NNO) against crime will be held on Tuesday,
Aug. 6th.

The 47th Precinct will be holding NNO activities from 4-8 p.m. at Granada Place
between Ely Avenue and Laconia Avenue, across the street from the 47th
Precinct.

This year’s theme is “Respect Your Neighbors - Think Quality of Life!” The opening ceremony will be at 5 p.m. The event is being co-sponsored by the 47th Precinct and the 47th Precinct Community Council. Deputy Inspector Brian Mullen and Community Affairs Officers David Belle and Jason Soto and the 47th Precinct Community Council have planned an enjoyable afternoon and evening for children and adults. Our elected officials have been invited. The 47th Precinct Clergy Coalition will have a prayer march in the vicinity of the 47th precinct starting at 4:45 p.m. before the opening ceremony.

There will be representatives at tables from New York City agencies and other
organizations who will be giving out valuable free information. The League, which is
celebrating its 100th anniversary this year, will have a table and will be distributing
McGruff “Take a Bite Out of Crime” 48 page memo pads. Food and refreshments
will be served. For children’s activities there will be rides and games. There will
also be entertainment for the community to enjoy. Bring the family out, learn about crime prevention, and have fun at the same time.

The slogans this year is: “Get Involved, Help Unite Our Community, Say No to
Drugs, No All Night Parties, Talk to Your Neighbors, Love Your Block, Do Not Block
Your Neighbor’s Driveway, No Loud Music, and A Quiet Neighborhood is a Good
Neighborhood.”

So, what exactly is NNO? It is a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored
by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW). The NATW is a nationwide organization dedicated to the development, maintenance, and promotion of community-bases, law enforcement-affiliated crime prevention activities. NNO is designed to (1) Heighten crime and drug prevention awareness; (2) Generate support for, and participation in, local anti-crime programs; (3) Strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships; and (4) Send a message to criminals letting them know that neighborhoods are organized and fighting back.

Along with the traditional display of outdoor lights and front door porch vigils, cities, towns and neighborhoods “celebrate” NNO with a variety of events and activities such as: block parties, cookouts, visits from local police, parades, flashlight walks, contests, and youth programs. An event doesn’t have to be big or elaborate. It can be as simple as having a conversation in a neighbor’s backyard.

The important thing is to talk to your neighbors and plan to get together. NNO has
proven to be an effective, inexpensive, and enjoyable program to promote neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships in our fight for a safer
nation. More than 37 million people are expected to participate in various anti-
crime programs and activities this year. The event involves 15,000 communities
from all 50 states, U.S. territories, Canadian cities, and military bases worldwide.

Remember, the key to participating in NNO is: turn your outside lights on, come
outside to meet your neighbors, and participate in your neighborhood’s special
events. This way you can be a part of the nation’s largest annual crime/drug
prevention event on Tuesday evening, August 6th.

Wakefield News: Community Fighter Remembered

Wakefield News: Community Fighter Remembered: By Dan Gesslein  BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 12 - One of the strongest voices defending Bronx communities has been silenced. Communi...

Community Fighter Remembered

By Dan Gesslein 

BRONX, NEW YORK, JUNE 12- One of the strongest voices defending Bronx communities has been silenced. Community leaders and residents said goodbye to Wakefield Taxpayers Associaton president and Bronx News columnist Mary Lauro. 

Lauro passed away last week after a bout with cancer. The 87-year-old former chemist has been fighting to keep Wakefield and other Communities strong for the past 25 years.

"This is a void that can never be filled," said Carmen Rosa, district manager of Community Board 12.

For years Lauro fought through her organization and her column to correct the issues that were impacting the communities. One such issue was the OTB in Wakefield. She railed against the impact the run down betting parlor had on the surrounding community. The tiny location attracted large crowds that would spill out on to White Plains Road with drinking, garbage and public urination. The community Lauro focused through her column started a letter writing campaign which led to the relocation of the site to a new facility. Eventually OTB was shut down throughout the city.

"Her articles started conversations. Residents would buy the paper to see what Mary had to say this week," Rosa said.

Another major issue Lauro fought was the problem of widespread illegal conversions. In Wakefield and in many Bronx communities, homeowners illegally converted one and two-family homes into multiple family rentals. In addition to the fact that many of these rents are not claimed, the community suffers from lack of services. The populations from these illegal apartments are not counted in the official population and therefore the communities receive fewer services in terms of police and other city services.

"The passing of Mary Lauro is a grievous loss not just for this local Bronx community, but for the borough and city as well because she represented the epitome of what civic involvement is supposed to be about," said Edwin J. Day, Rockland County Legislature. "She was always 'community first' and as a former commander of the 47 precinct detectives and a past civic association president in my hometown, I can make that observation both with absolute certainty and my utmost respect. While Mary will be missed, more importantly she will be remembered as a true beacon for this community."

Friends said even though this month her illness was wearing on her from her hospital bed she was concerned about finishing her latest column.

"I don't know who can take Mary's place," said Elizabeth Gil, president of the 47th Precinct Community Council.

During meetings Lauro questioned beat cops and police commissioners equally when they cited statistics she did believe were accurate.

"Mary was a true believer in community service," Rosa said. "She could have walked away years ago but didn't."